We have officially kicked off the University Digital Accessibility Initiative (UDAI) to meet a new federal rule that expands legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act requiring that all digital tools and electronic resources used in a university program, service or activity are accessible to all, especially disabled individuals of our university community. This initiative reflects UW–Madison’s commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility. As communicators, you play an essential role in advancing a culture of awareness and best practice. By modeling accessible practices in your work and outreach, you help set the tone for everyone at the university to become familiar with digital accessibility principles and start taking steps to make their digital content more accessible.

Here’s how you can take action now:

• Understand what needs to be made accessible: The How to follow the ADA rule outlines requirements.
• Leverage self-service tools and resources: Visit the communicators digital accessibility resource page for relevant guidance and resources.
• Take advantage of informational opportunities: Join our upcoming digital accessibility town hall for communicators on March 2 at 11 a.m. to learn more about the project and how you can lend your support. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance. This town hall will be hosted through Teams, and be recorded and shared afterward.

The UDAI is a highly iterative project. You and other groups across the university will continue to receive timely updates, training opportunities, clear action steps and practical guidance. And from time to time, we’ll look to you to cascade information across your own channels. Thank you for all you are doing and will do to help us build a more accessible UW–Madison. Together, we can remove barriers, remediate key materials, create accessible content from the start and create a culture of accessibility.

Tamara Walker, UDAI Co-sponsor and Academic Technology Director, Associate Vice Provost for Learning Technologies, UW–Madison Division of Information Technology

Ruben Mota, UDAI Co-sponsor and ADA Coordinator, Office of Compliance